Second Annual Billy Mac Bash Held

The Second Annual Billy Mac Bash and Golf Outing was held on Saturday, October 25 and Monday, October 27 to raise money for a SUNY Maritime scholarship in honor of the late Billy McCarthy.
North Shore Towers Country Club staff member Patti McCarthy’s son Billy passed away on May 16, 2007 of a sudden arrhythmia. Shortly after his passing, McCarthy and her family decided to start a scholarship in honor of Billy at SUNY Maritime, where he had been a student.
During the first Billy Mac Bash, $38,000 was raised. The first Billy Mac Scholarship was awarded this fall to Steven Miller, a resident of Middle Village. The McCarthy family has known Miller since he was born, since McCarthy’s husband Bill and Miller’s father worked together.
“I was really honored,” Miller said of receiving the scholarship, which will be for $12,000 over four years.
To be eligible for the scholarship, the person must be 18 or older, a SUNY Maritime student, have at least an 85 average and an 1100 SAT score. Community service is also preferred.
Money was raised to continue with the scholarship efforts during a party held at Towers on the Green on Saturday, October 25. The golf outing portion of the fundraiser was held at North Shore Towers on Monday, October 27.
“So many good things have happened this past year, and none of it would be possible without each and everyone one of you,” McCarthy wrote in the program. “Whether it was your pat on the back, your smiles, your shoulder to cry on, your prayers, your donation of time or money, everything…whether it was big or small, it brings light into a world of darkness. I am forever grateful.”
This year, once again, many people came out to support the cause.
“I guess it’s like a labor of love,” McCarthy said in the past. “It’s a way to keep my son’s name and spirit alive. It’s a way to celebrate his life with his family and friends and in turn help someone.”
In order to keep people informed about the Billy Mac Scholarship Fund, a new website has been launched, which came about through the help of Bernie Furshpan. The address is www.billymccarthy226.com.